Smart Manufacturing Project Leader (KTP Associate)

University of Hull

Closing date: (00:01am) 13th February 2026

An exciting opportunity to work with one of the region’s leading adult training providers on an ambitious and innovative 24-month project developing new ideas, methodologies, and technologies.

Humberside Engineering Training Association is a not-for-profit charity ‘Group Training Association’ which delivers Apprenticeships and both standard and bespoke upskill training courses. They provide accredited, industry recognised training from a beginner to an advanced level, with an exceptional track record for delivering solutions across a range of sectors.

HETA has a vision to enhance its digital learning and innovation capabilities; and demonstrate sectoral leadership in workforce development, facilitating competitive growth in the region's manufacturing sector.

This KTP project will develop a digital learning platform offering learner-engineers practical experience with next-generation manufacturing and process rigs that simulate real-world manufacturing and industrial processes using emerging technologies.

This project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) part of a national, Government-supported initiative, which provides graduates with fast-track career opportunities through work on challenging technical & IT projects (for more info please visit www.ktp-uk.org).

The KTP project will be fully championed with expertise from the University of Hull and HETA.

You will be supported to continue your personal and professional development throughout the project, acquiring new transferable skills that will enhance your employability. The project offers the potential to undertake a higher degree (although this is not a requirement of the post).

For the right candidate there are excellent prospects for obtaining permanent employment with HETA at the end of the KTP project. What we are looking for

Essential qualifications and experience

• Honours degree 2:1 or above in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Electronics, Mechatronics or similar. A Masters is welcome.
• Hands-on software development experience in Python or C#. Comfortable building data pipelines and working with APIs and messaging.
• Practical experience with at least two of the following: IoT and industrial data (OPC UA, Modbus, PLC or SCADA integration, Node-RED or similar);
• 3D and immersive tech (CAD to Unity workflow, Unity development for AR or VR, ideally on Meta Quest).
• Strong problem solving, an eye for detail and the ability to turn requirements into working systems.
• Clear communicator who can run workshops and translate technical ideas for trainers, learners and industry partners.
• Evidence of managing projects, risks and milestones using tools such as Gantt charts, risk registers and Git.

Desirable

• Machine learning (time-series modelling, deep learning such as LSTM or CNN-LSTM, model evaluation and deployment for predictive maintenance).
• Data platforms (time-series databases such as InfluxDB or Timescale, SQL or NoSQL, real-time ingestion and storage design).
• Experience in a manufacturing or process environment and familiarity with sensors such as pressure, temperature, vibration, torque and flow.
• Building dashboards and diagnostics for live systems Grafana or similar, plus basic DevOps or containerisation.
• Learning design or edtech experience such as curriculum mapping, assessment design and using feedback to iterate learning materials.
• Knowledge transfer and stakeholder engagement experience including running demos or showcase events.

To discuss this role informally, please contact: Professor Thakker (D.Thakker@hull.ac.uk)/Dr. Ahmad baseer.ahmad@hull.ac.uk

For information about the School of Digital and Physical Sciences visit: www.hull.ac.uk/about/faculties/faculty-of-science-and-engineering